FIR against 20 CCL members in mine mishap case

Giridih police on Sunday registered an FIR against Kabribadh project officer AK Roy, colliery manager GS Meena, security inspector Om Prakash Das among other officials who were on duty when five persons were killed after the mine collapsed on Saturday morning. The names of at least 20 staff members of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and other local coal thieves were listed in the complaint which was filed by deputy mining officer Vibhuti Kumar.TNN | May 29, 2017, 09:43 IST

DHANBAD: Giridih police on Sunday registered an FIR against Kabribadh project officer AK Roy, colliery manager GS Meena, security inspector Om Prakash Das among other officials who were on duty when five persons were killed after the mine collapsed on Saturday morning. The names of at least 20 staff members of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and other local coal thieves were listed in the complaint which was filed by deputy mining officer Vibhuti Kumar.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manish Toppo told TOI that on getting information about the mishap, police along with sub-divisional magistrate and other district officials arrived at the spot and found jute bags, slippers and other mining equipment. "We did not find the five bodies on the spot but in a nearby village named Simaria Dhaura," Toppo said.

The DSP said although CCL authorities have denied the occurrence of any such incident in Kabribadh colliery, preliminary investigation and evidences indicate that the bodies were carried away from the spot after the accident. "The administration has taken the matter seriously and culprits will not be spared," Toppo said.

Trade union leader Rishikesh Mishra said had the police not acted promptly, local mafias and CCL staff members would have cleared all evidences of the mishap. Mishra added that the coal ministry should take cognizance of the incident since it is a huge revenue loss for the central government.

Five persons were killed while extracting coal illegally from Kabribadh colliery early on Saturday morning. The mine that falls under Giridih block is hardly located three kilometres away from the district headquarters. According to residents, illegal mining activity is often carried out in night hours and minor accidents are very frequent.

“To save the environment and to fight climate change, my government has planned a major campaign. By 2022, we want to generate 175 GW of renewable energy. In the last three years, we have already achieved 60 GW or around one-third of this target,” he said.